UTILITY OP BIRDS TO AGRICULTURE. 115 



appearance in the garden and orchard." This bird is known to 

 all as the one we see perched on the top of some tall tree pour- 

 ing out a medley of song, which consists of a variety of notes 

 of other birds, and some original ones. The nest is built about 

 the middle of May, either in a bush or on the ground. It con- 

 sists of twigs, leaves and fibrous roots. Eggs three to five, dirty 

 white, spotted thickly with brown and lilac. 



Galeoscoptes Carolinensis — Cabanis. 

 Catbird. — This is a common species, being most often seen, 

 however, in low, swampy land, where it builds its nest on a bush 

 or low tree. It is constructed of sticks and twigs, and lined 

 with roots and hair. Eggs usually four in number, of a dark 

 emerald-green color ; they are laid about the first week in June. 

 This bird takes its name from a plaintive note it utters resem- 

 bling the mewing of a cat. 



Sialia sialts — Haldemann. 

 Bluebird. — This beautiful bird is known and befriended by 

 every farmer. It makes its appearance almost the first of the 

 winged tribe, sometimes being seen before the snow has left the 

 ground. Its beautiful song, heard when winter still seems with 

 us, is welcomed by all. About the middle or last of April this 

 bird commences building. The nest is placed in a hole in an 

 apple-tree, or a fence post, or in a box prepared by some 

 friendly hand — anywhere, in fact, where it can find warmth 

 and protection from the cold winds. The nest is built of 

 feathers, soft grasses and cotton. Eggs are four or five in num- 

 ber, of a very light blue color. The food of this bird consists of 

 noxious insects. 



Parus ATRiCAPrLLUS — Linnceus. 

 Chickadee. — This busy little bird is known to all as a resi- 

 dent with us throughout the whole year, and at all times it is 

 engaged in ridding the trees of their insect pests. It com- 

 mences building about the second week in May. The nest is 

 placed in a hole in a dead tree, and is built of moss, a few fine 

 grasses and hair. Eggs are from six to ten, of a pure white 

 color, spotted at the greater end with brown. 



